Ozomalti Releases 'Respeto' to Encourage Latinos to Vote

Today, Ozomatli, a Grammy-award winning multicultural fusion band from Los Angeles, and NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, released a bilingual song titled "Respeto" that calls on Latino voters to participate in next month's midterm elections.

"NCLR applauds Ozomatli for their efforts to get Latino voters to the polls," said NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía. "Latinos have a lot at stake in these elections. In the 2008 elections, a record number of Hispanic voters turned out to ensure that politicians heard the voice of the Latino community loud and clear. In the midst of an economic crisis and harsh anti-Latino climate, Latinos cannot afford to stay home on November 2. We need to stand up to those who allow our community to come under attack. We need to tell our lawmakers to work toward real solutions to our nation's problems."

"The simple act of voting has proven to be an important tool in the shaping of my surroundings," said Ozomatli's Raul Pacheco. "As a modern American Latino, it is a meaningful step to counter the specifically hateful and hurtful rhetoric that has been aimed at Latinos throughout this country." Pacheco adds, "Voting demonstrates self-respect. It is the dream of many that all who are eligible to vote do so on November 2. Vote for your family, vote for Respect!

To receive a free copy of the Ozomatli song "Respeto," and for more information on the Latino vote and NCLR's Vote for Respect campaign, visit www.nclr.org/vote. For more information on Ozomatli, visit http://www.ozomatli.com.